ANGOLA - The Angola City Police Department is investigating a burglary, which included racially based vandalism that took place inside of a local store.

The Angola City Police Department responded to the incident at the Willow Tree Shoppes, located at 155 East Wendall Jacob Avenue, Angola, IN, Monday morning.

According to a news release from Angola City Police, officers quickly arrived at the scene after they were notified at 10:20 a.m. First officers entered the building and reportedly found an owner inside. Angola authorities said “in order to protect the scene,” the owner on site was asked to exit the building. Officers noted that when entering the building the odor of spray paint was present.

Authorities say “numerous areas within the building had been sprayed including the floor, walls, and shelves.” Investigators say there were racial slurs within the areas that were painted.

The Angola City Police Department says this continues to be an active investigation.